Mastectomy Bra Device

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates to a mastectomy bra device primarily comprised of at least one cup and a body further comprised of a front surface, a rear surface and at least one rear strap. In a differing embodiment, the body is further comprised of at least one shoulder strap. The device is further comprised of at least one cup that simulates the shape and size of a natural breast. The cup can be adhered to the breast of a user and then further secured to the breast by placing the body of the device over the cup when the body is worn as a bra. In one embodiment, the body is comprised of a convex area that further receives the cup. In differing embodiments, the device may have one or two cups to accommodate users who have had a single or a double mastectomy.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application claims priority to, and the benefit of, U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/240,101, which was filed on Sep. 2, 2021, and is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to the field of bras. More specifically, the present invention relates to a post-mastectomy with reconstruction bra device primarily comprised of at least one cup or forward projecting material and a body further comprised of a front surface, a rear surface, and at least one rear strap. In a differing embodiment, the body is further comprised of at least one shoulder strap. The cup of the device simulates the shape and size of a natural breast. The cup can be adhered to the breast of a user and then further secured to the breast by placing the body of the device over the cup when the body is worn as a bra. In one embodiment, the body is comprised of a convex area that further receives the cup. In differing embodiments, the device may have one or two cups to accommodate users who have had a single or a double mastectomy. Accordingly, the present disclosure makes specific reference thereto. Nonetheless, it is to be appreciated that aspects of the present invention are also equally applicable to other like applications, devices and methods of manufacture.

BACKGROUND

Women with breast cancer may have to undergo a single or double mastectomy, with or without reconstruction. After a mastectomy with reconstruction, a woman may have great difficulty in finding a bra that fits properly. There is typically a lack of projection with reconstruction and the surgical process can produce poor symmetry or shape. In addition, a woman may have further difficulty in finding a bra that offers enough forward projection to make their breast or breasts appear “normal” looking (i.e., looking like a natural breast that has not undergone a mastectomy). If said bra cannot be found, women may avoid wearing certain clothing due to feeling embarrassed of their breast or breasts, which can further lead to feelings of disappointment and low self-esteem.

Therefore, there exists a long-felt need in the art for an improved bra. There also exists a long-felt need in the art for a mastectomy bra device that properly fits a user who has had a single or double mastectomy. Further, there exists a long-felt need in the art for a mastectomy bra device that gives the appearance of a natural breast shape when worn by a user who has had a single or double mastectomy.

The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one embodiment thereof, comprises a mastectomy bra device. The device is primarily comprised of at least one cup and a body further comprised of a front surface, a rear surface, and at least one rear strap. In a differing embodiment, the body is further comprised of at least one shoulder strap. The cup of the device simulates the shape and size of a natural breast and can be adhered to the breast of a user and then further secured to the breast by placing the body of the device over the cup when the body is worn as a bra. In one embodiment, the body is comprised of a convex area that further receives the cup. In differing embodiments, the device may have one or two cups to accommodate users who have had a single or a double mastectomy.

In this manner, the mastectomy bra device of the present invention accomplishes all of the forgoing objectives and provides an improved bra. In doing so, the device properly fits a user who has had a single or double mastectomy and also gives the appearance of a natural breast shape when worn by said user. As a result, the device provides improvements over the limitations of existing bras known in the art.

SUMMARY

The following presents a simplified summary in order to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the disclosed innovation. This summary is not an extensive overview, and it is not intended to identify key/critical elements or to delineate the scope thereof. Its sole purpose is to present some general concepts in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.

The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one embodiment thereof, comprises a mastectomy bra device. The device is primarily comprised of at least one cup and a body further comprised of a front surface, a rear surface, and at least one rear strap. In a differing embodiment, the body is further comprised of at least one shoulder strap. The body may be manufactured from any fabric material known in the art that may further be moisture-wicking, scented, lotion-infused, etc. The body can also be any color known in the art and may be transparent, semi-transparent, or opaque. In addition, the body may have a plurality of indica such as, but not limited to, patterns, logos, emblems, images, symbols, designs, letters, numbers, words, characters, animals, advertisements, brands, etc. The body is also preferably shaped like any shape or style of bra or other similar breast supporting garment of the like.

In one embodiment, the body has at least one rear strap that is worn around the back of a user. In this manner, the device has no shoulder straps and thus has the appearance of a strapless bra. However, in a differing embodiment the device is comprised of at least one rear strap and at least one shoulder strap such that the device can be worn like a traditional bra with preferably two shoulder straps and one rear strap. Further, the rear strap and/or shoulder strap may be fixedly or removably attached to the front surface of the body via at least one fastener. Each strap may further have at least one fastener that allows the straps to adjust such that they become longer or shorter in length.

The device is further comprised of at least one cup that is preferably generally round and has a convex top surface that resembles the shape of a natural breast. In differing embodiments, the bottom surface of the cup may be flat or concave/convex. In a further embodiment, the bottom surface is comprised of a skin-safe adhesive with a peelable cover, such that the bottom surface can be secured to the breast of the user. The cup may be manufactured from a foam material that may be rigid or pliable. In a pliable embodiment, the bottom surface can contour to the unique shape of the breast area of the user. In a further embodiment, the bottom surface may be pliable and the top surface may be rigid. The cup may be any color and may be any size to replicate any breast size and/or shape.

To use the device, a user first adheres at least one cup to at least one breast or breast area. Then, the body of the device can be worn around the torso of the user and over the cup, such that the rear surface of the body slightly compresses the cup against the breast of the user and secures the cup to the torso of the user such that it will not shift in position during use. In one embodiment, the body of the device is unstructured (i.e., non-rigid). However, in another embodiment, the body may have at least one rigid or semi-rigid, padded, convex area that protrudes outward from the front surface which receives the cup via an opening in the rear surface of the body. In this manner, the cup is further secured to the torso of the user and will not shift in position while being worn.

Accordingly, the mastectomy bra device of the present invention is particularly advantageous as it provides an improved bra. The device further properly fits a user who has had a single or double mastectomy and gives said user the appearance of a natural breast shape. In this manner, the mastectomy bra device overcomes the limitations of existing bras known in the art.

To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends, certain illustrative aspects of the disclosed innovation are described herein in connection with the following description and the annexed drawings. These aspects are indicative, however of but a few of the various ways in which the principles disclosed herein can be employed and are intended to include all such aspects and their equivalents. Other advantages and novel features will become apparent from the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The description refers to provided drawings in which similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the different views, and in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of a mastectomy bra device of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of a mastectomy bra device of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of two cups of one potential embodiment of a mastectomy bra device of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture; and

FIG. 4 illustrates a rear perspective view of one potential embodiment of a mastectomy bra device of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The innovation is now described with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding thereof. It may be evident, however that the innovation can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to facilitate a description thereof. Various embodiments are discussed hereinafter. It should be noted that the figures are described only to facilitate the description of the embodiments. They are not intended as an exhaustive description of the invention and do not limit the scope of the invention. Additionally, an illustrated embodiment need not have all the aspects or advantages shown. Thus, in other embodiments, any of the features described herein from different embodiments may be combined.

As noted above, there is a long-felt need in the art for an improved bra. There also exists a long-felt need in the art for a mastectomy bra device that properly fits a user who has had a single or double mastectomy. Further, there exists a long-felt need in the art for a mastectomy bra device that gives the appearance of a natural breast shape when worn by a user who has had a single or double mastectomy.

The present invention, in one exemplary embodiment, is comprised of a mastectomy bra device. The device is primarily comprised of at least one cup and a body further comprised of a front surface, a rear surface and at least one rear strap. In a differing embodiment, the body is further comprised of at least one shoulder strap. The body may be manufactured from any fabric material known in the art that may further be moisture-wicking, scented, lotion-infused, etc. The body can also be any color known in the art and may be transparent, semi-transparent or opaque. In addition, the body may have a plurality of indica such as, but not limited to, patterns, logos, emblems, images, symbols, designs, letters, numbers, words, characters, animals, advertisements, brands, etc. The body is also preferably shaped like any shape or style of bra or other similar breast supporting garment of the like.

The body also has at least one rear strap that is worn around the back of a user. In this manner, the device has no shoulder straps and thus has the appearance of a strapless bra. However, in a differing embodiment the device is comprised of at least one rear strap and at least one shoulder strap, such that the device can be worn like a traditional bra with preferably two shoulder straps and one rear strap. Further, the rear strap and/or shoulder strap may be fixedly or removably attached to the front surface of the body via at least one fastener. Each strap may further have at least one fastener that allows the straps to adjust, such that they become longer or shorter in length.

The device also has at least one cup. The cup is preferably generally round and has a convex top surface that resembles the shape of a natural breast. In differing embodiments, the bottom surface of the cup may be flat or concave/convex. In a further embodiment, the bottom surface is comprised of a skin-safe adhesive with a peelable cover such that the bottom surface can be secured to the breast of the user. The cup may be manufactured from a foam material that may be rigid or pliable. In a pliable embodiment, the bottom surface can contour to the unique shape of the breast area of the user. In a further embodiment, the bottom surface may be pliable and the top surface may be rigid. In addition, the cup may be any color and may be any size to replicate any breast size and/or shape.

To use the device, a user first adheres at least one cup to at least one of breast or breast area. Then, the body of the device can be worn around the torso of the user and over the cup, such that the rear surface of the body slightly compresses the cup against the breast of the user and secures the cup to the torso of the user, such that it will not shift in position during use. In one embodiment, the body of the device is unstructured (i.e., non-rigid). However, in another embodiment, the body may have at least one rigid or semi-rigid, padded convex area that protrudes outward from the front surface, which receives the cup via an opening in the rear surface of the body. In this manner, the cup is further secured to the torso of the user and will not shift in position while being worn.

Accordingly, the mastectomy bra device of the present invention is particularly advantageous as it provides an improved bra. The device further properly fits a user who has had a single or double mastectomy and gives said user the appearance of a natural breast shape. In this manner, the mastectomy bra device overcomes the limitations of existing bras known in the art.

Referring initially to the drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of a mastectomy bra device 100 of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture. The device 100 is primarily comprised of at least one cup 170 and a body 110 further comprised of a front surface 120, a rear surface 130, and at least one rear strap 140. In a differing embodiment, the body 110 is further comprised of a front surface 120, a rear surface 130, at least one rear strap 140 and at least one shoulder strap 150. In differing embodiments, the body 110 may be manufactured from any fabric material known in the art such as, but not limited to, a vinyl, canvas, cashmere, chenille, chiffon, cotton, damask, jersey, lace, linen, wool, modal, polyester, satin, silk, spandex, suede, tweed, twill, velvet, acrylic, modacrylic, nylon, polypropylene, polyurethane, polyvinyl chloride, polyethylene, vinylidene, benzoate, aramid, rayon, acetate, triacetate, etc. The body 110 material may further be moisture-wicking, scented, lotion-infused, etc. The body 110 can also be any color known in the art and may be transparent, semi-transparent or opaque. In addition, the body 110 may have a plurality of indica 122 such as, but not limited to, patterns, logos, emblems, images, symbols, designs, letters, numbers, words, characters, animals, advertisements, brands, etc. The body 110 is further preferably shaped like any shape or style of bra or other similar breast supporting garment of the like.

FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of a mastectomy bra device 100 of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture. In one embodiment, the body 110 is comprised of at least one rear strap 140 that is worn around the back of a user 10 such that there are no shoulder straps 150 and the device 100 gives the appearance of a strapless bra. However, in a differing embodiment the device 100 is comprised of at least one rear strap 140 and at least one shoulder strap 150. In this manner, the device 100 can be worn like a traditional bra with preferably two shoulder straps 150 and one rear strap 140. Further, the rear strap 140 and/or shoulder strap may be fixedly or removably attached to the front surface 120 of the body 110 via at least one fastener 160 such as, but not limited to, a hook and loop fastener, adhesive, magnet, zipper, claps, snap-button, etc. The body 110 material and strap 140, 150 material are further preferably elastic. Each strap 140, 150 may have at least one fastener 160 that allows the straps 140, 150 to adjust such that they become longer or shorter in length. As a result, the device 100 can be tightened or loosened on a user 10 for proper fit and comfort. In differing embodiments, said at least one fastener 160 may be a fastener such as, but is not limited to, a buckle, zipper, clasp, hook and loop, magnet, ties, snap-button, slider, etc.

FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of two cups 170 of one potential embodiment of a mastectomy bra device 100 of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture. The device 100 is further comprised of at least one cup or other forward projecting material 170. The cup 170 is preferably generally round and has a convex top surface 172 that resembles the shape of a natural breast. In differing embodiments, the bottom surface 174 of the cup 170 may be flat or concave/convex. In a further embodiment, the bottom surface 174 is comprised of a skin-safe adhesive with a peelable cover 176. In this manner, the bottom surface 174 can be secured to the breast 12 of the user 10 by pressing the bottom surface 174 against the breast 12 area of the user 10. In differing embodiments, the cup 170 may be manufactured from a foam material that may be rigid or pliable. In a pliable embodiment, the bottom surface 174 can contour to the unique breast 12 area of the user 10 when the cup 170 is placed on the breast 12 area. In a differing embodiment, the bottom surface 174 may be pliable and the top surface 172 may be rigid. The cup 170 may also have a plurality of indica 122 such as, but not limited to, patterns, logos, emblems, images, symbols, designs, letters, numbers, words, characters, animals or advertisements. In addition, the cup 170 may be any color or size to replicate any breast size and/or shape.

To use the device 100, a user 10 first adheres at least one cup 170 to at least one of breast 12 and/or the breast area. Then, the body 110 can be worn around the torso 11 of the user 10, such that the rear surface 130 of the body 110 slightly compresses the cup 170 against the breast 12 of the user 10. In this manner, the cup 170 is further secured to the torso 11 of the user 10 and will not shift in position during use. In one embodiment, the body 110 is unstructured (i.e., non-rigid). However, in another embodiment, the body 110 may have at least one rigid or semi-rigid, padded, convex area 121 that protrudes outward from the front surface 120 and receives the cup 170 via an opening 1210 in the rear surface 130 of the body 110. In this manner, the cup 170 is further secured to the torso 11 of the user 10 and will not shift in position while being worn. The opening 1210 and/or the cup 170 may further be comprised of at least one fastener 160 that can be used to further secure the cup 170 within the convex area 121 such as, but not limited to, a strap, a hook and loop fastener, a snap-button, an adhesive, magnet, etc.

Certain terms are used throughout the following description and claims to refer to particular features or components. As one skilled in the art will appreciate, different persons may refer to the same feature or component by different names. This document does not intend to distinguish between components or features that differ in name but not structure or function. As used herein “mastectomy bra device” and “device” are interchangeable and refer to the mastectomy bra device 100 of the present invention.

In different embodiments, the device 100 can be adapted for use with a user 10 who has had a single or double mastectomy. In this regard, the device 100 may have only one cup 170 for a user 10 who has only had a single mastectomy. In this embodiment, the other convex area 121 provides normal bra-like support to the other natural breast 12 of the user 10. The convex area 121 may also be comprised of at least one underwire support 1212.

Notwithstanding the forgoing, the mastectomy bra device 100 of the present invention and its various components can be of any suitable size and configuration as is known in the art without affecting the overall concept of the invention, provided that they accomplish the above-stated objectives. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the size, configuration and material of the mastectomy bra device 100 as shown in the FIGS. are for illustrative purposes only, and that many other sizes and shapes of the mastectomy bra device 100 are well within the scope of the present disclosure. Although the dimensions of the mastectomy bra device 100 are important design parameters for user convenience, the mastectomy bra device 100 may be of any size, shape and/or configuration that ensures optimal performance during use and/or that suits the user's needs and/or preferences.

Various modifications and additions can be made to the exemplary embodiments discussed without departing from the scope of the present invention. While the embodiments described above refer to particular features, the scope of this invention also includes embodiments having different combinations of features and embodiments that do not include all of the described features. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications and variations as fall within the scope of the claims, together with all equivalents thereof.

What has been described above includes examples of the claimed subject matter. It is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivable combination of components or methodologies for purposes of describing the claimed subject matter, but one of ordinary skill in the art may recognize that many further combinations and permutations of the claimed subject matter are possible. Accordingly, the claimed subject matter is intended to embrace all such alterations, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, to the extent that the term “includes” is used in either the detailed description or the claims, such term is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as “comprising” is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A mastectomy bra device comprising: a cup or forward projecting material having a convex top surface; and a bra-shaped body further comprised of: a front surface; a rear surface; and a rear strap.
 2. The mastectomy bra device of claim 1, wherein the rear strap is further comprised of at least one fastener.
 3. The mastectomy bra device of claim 1, wherein a bottom surface of the cup or forward projecting material comprises an adhesive.
 4. A mastectomy bra device comprising: a cup having a convex top surface; and a bra-shaped body further comprised of: a front surface; a rear surface; a rear strap; and a shoulder strap.
 5. The mastectomy bra device of claim 4, wherein the rear strap and the shoulder strap are each comprised of at least one fastener.
 6. The mastectomy bra device of claim 5, wherein the shoulder strap and the rear strap are comprised of an elastic material.
 7. The mastectomy bra device of claim 4, wherein a bottom surface of the cup comprises an adhesive.
 8. The mastectomy bra device of claim 4, wherein the convex top surface of the cup is comprised of a rigid material.
 9. A mastectomy bra device comprising: a cup having a convex top surface; and a bra-shaped body further comprised of: a front surface having a convex area; a rear surface having an opening; a rear strap; and a shoulder strap.
 10. The mastectomy bra device of claim 9, wherein the convex area of the front surface receives the cup.
 11. The mastectomy bra device of claim 10, wherein the convex area of the front surface is comprised of a rigid material.
 12. The mastectomy bra device of claim 11, wherein the convex area of the front surface comprises a padding.
 13. The mastectomy bra device of claim 10, wherein the cup with a convex top surface is secured within the convex area of the front surface by at least one fastener.
 14. The mastectomy bra device of claim 13, wherein the at least one fastener is a strap, a hook and loop fastener, a snap-button fastener, an adhesive fastener or a magnet fastener.
 15. The mastectomy bra device of claim 9, wherein the rear strap and the shoulder strap are further comprised of at least one fastener.
 16. The mastectomy bra device of claim 15, wherein the shoulder strap and the rear strap are comprised of an elastic material.
 17. The mastectomy bra device of claim 9, wherein a bottom surface of the cup is comprised of an adhesive.
 18. The mastectomy bra device of claim 9, wherein the convex top surface of the cup is comprised of a rigid material.
 19. The mastectomy bra device of claim 9, wherein the cup is manufactured of a foam material.
 20. The mastectomy bra device of claim 9, wherein the cup is sized and configured to accommodate a human breast. 